Gather the Stars

Outrage at war's savagery underlies the pages of Gather the Stars, giving a moral depth to Cates's (Stealing Heaven) splendid tale. Set in the aftermath of the 1746 battle of Culloden, the story centers around the arrogant Rachel de Lacey, daughter of a British general. She has vowed to wed the bravest man in England and, accordingly, is affianced to Sir Dunstan Wells, the ""hero"" who brutally decimated the Scottish troops of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Kidnapped by Dunstan's nemesis, the ""Glen Lyon,"" Rachel gradually learns that true bravery lies not in killing and plunder but in gentleness and love. This finely crafted historical romance is a gem. (June)